Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens - ITV

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JJ Abrams' Star Wars reboot is a triumph

JJ Abrams' Star Wars reboot is a triumph.

When the most wildly anticipated and furiously hyped movie of the millennium finally arrived, the collective exhalation of relief could be heard around the globe if not in a galaxy far, far away.

Having already revived another beloved sci-fi saga with Star Trek, Abrams does the same here, banishing all memories of George Lucas' woeful prequels by honouring the legacy of the original trilogy of films.

He barely puts a foot wrong as he successfully introduces new characters - including the striking Daisy Ridley as resilient, resourceful and agile warrior Rey, John Boyega's earnest, conscience-stricken Stormtrooper Finn and Adam Driver as their menacing adversary Kylo Ren.

Crucially, though, Abrams also allows familiar faces such as Harrison Ford's Han Solo, as adept with quips as ever, and Carrie Fisher's Leia to make fan-pleasing returns.

And with the tools of 21st-century Hollywood on hand, the dogfights between X-wings and Tie Fighters have a new zip, while the lightsabers' spark, swoosh and fuzzy hum are better than ever.